The government says users can delete the app anytime and maintains that the move aims to curb SIM fraud and device cloning.
The recent government directive asking all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold in India has sparked a fresh wave of debate online, with users and opposition leaders flagging concerns around privacy, surveillance and compulsory digital mandates. For the unversed, the application was introduced as a voluntary platform to help people trace lost devices and report fraudulent SIM cards.
As per the order, all smartphone makers must preload the app on every device within 90 days, followed by a compliance report in the next 30 days, effectively giving the companies a 120-day window. The announcement has sharply polarised public opinion. Supporters argue that the move strengthens user safety in an era of rising mobile fraud, while critics warn that placing a government-backed app on every handset risks normalising digital surveillance.
On both Google Play Store and Apple's App Store, the Sanchar Saathi listing clearly states that the app does not collect personal data. To verify, we installed the app on both Android and iOS devices. During Android setup, the app requests access to phone and SMS permissions, and in some cases 'may require' camera, call log or notification access, which understandably raises concerns in a privacy-sensitive environment.
To understand the implications, we spoke to cybersecurity experts.
'Any mandatory digital platform operating at a national scale naturally raises privacy questions. While Sanchar Saathi aims to protect users from cybercrime, the real concern lies in how responsibly user data is handled. Clear data minimisation, limited retention and strict access controls are essential to ensure the app doesn't become a surveillance risk,' said Sanyogg Shelar, Cybersecurity Forensic Expert.
'One side you are talking about cyber safety, which is good. What about data privacy policies?' he added.
However, some experts believe the concerns may be overstated.
'Given the explosive rise in cyber fraud and mobile-based crimes, the government's move to make Sanchar Saathi mandatory is a practical step towards protecting citizens. The app itself does not collect personal data, as clearly stated on the Play Store, so privacy fears around the app are largely misplaced,' said Amit Dubey.
He added that the app addresses the very vulnerabilities exploited in most cybercrimes, including SIM misuse, fake KYC and cloned devices. 'Expecting every user to voluntarily install security tools simply doesn't work. This mandate isn't about surveillance, it's about giving every Indian a baseline layer of digital safety,' he said.
Amid the rising criticism, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app remains optional despite being preloaded. 'If you don't want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it... keeping it in their devices or not is up to the user,' he said.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also defended the move, calling Sanchar Saathi a citizen-focused cybersecurity initiative designed to curb IMEI cloning, unauthorised SIM activity and device-related fraud. By placing the app on every phone, officials say users get seamless access to essential safety tools without having to search for them or rely on third-party platforms.